All Out with Ollie Pope

This summer, we strolled round the London Club in Kent with England Cricket Superstar Ollie Pope. When he’s not batting centuries and receiving the honour of England Captaincy, you can bet he’s racing to the golf course to get a few holes in.

How does it feel to face a 90mph ball?

I used to look at it and think, thats impossible. But its one of those things that you just work towards. I’m not sure what the stats are, you’ve probably got zero point something of a second to react to the ball and play the perfect shot. If you’re in a bit of bad form it can feel like the hardest thing in the world. But when you’re on, it feels like the quicker he’s bowling, the quicker it comes off my bat and the further it goes.

Who’s the nastiest player you’ve played against?

Its probably David Warner, but I can honestly say, even in International Cricket I’ve never been properly abused. Its always the first thing people ask me: ‘who’s given you the best sledge’ but I can’t really think of any good ones. Sorry if thats a boring answer!

When did you bag your first century?

My first hundred came in Port Elizabeth against South Africa, I think I was 21 then. It really was the best feeling in the world.

Do you ever feel pressure on the course?

Oh I definitely feel pressure on the course, I probably feel more nervous on the golf course in moments that I do when I’m playing cricket, just because I back myself on the cricket pitch to come out on the right side of things. There’s a lot more that can go wrong on the golf course.

What’s the highest pressure situation you’ve ever been in?

There’s plenty, I think whenever you’re in a bit of bad form going into a game, and you know your spot is under pressure you’re going to feel the heat. Its a classic, but pressure really is a privilege and its something you really miss when you have a bit of time off.